Votes are in - Boys & Girls Clubs are making a difference!

Members at the Peninsula Club in Denbigh participate in a Chess tournament.

Members at the Peninsula Club in Denbigh participate in a Chess tournament. (Posted by Laurel Ramey, Community Contributor)

Posted by Laurel Ramey, Community Contributor

Every year, youth and teen members evaluate Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula (BGCVP) as part of a national outcomes survey initiative. This year's results show remarkable improvement.

Each member fills out an online survey that collects information in four key areas: Club Experience, Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles and Good Character and Citizenship. This survey is an opportunity for youth and teen members to report on their individual experience and outcomes at the Clubs. The answers are sorted and entered into the National Youth Outcomes Initiative (NYOI), which rates BGCVP based on Emotional Safety, Physical Safety, Sense of Belonging, Fun, Adult Connections, Staff Expectations, and Recognition.

"We consider this survey to be our report card, graded by our Club members themselves," said President & CEO Hal Smith. "We take it very seriously as an evaluation of our programs and effectiveness."

This year, members provided significantly improved feedback. For each question, members can select "needs improvement," "doing fine," or "doing great." The percentages in the chart below reflect members who rated their Clubs as "doing great" or "optimal." For comparison, Boys & Girls Clubs of America's nationwide scores are provided, in addition to BGCVP's scores last year.

BGCVP's strategic vision for 2020 is to create a lasting impression on the Virginia Peninsula and surrounding communities by providing youth the skills and encouragement to graduate from high school with a plan for the future to live as healthy and productive citizens.

"These outcomes are exactly in line with our Vision 2020 goals to ensure kids are having the most positive and impactful experience we can provide," said Smith.

On a National scale, Boys & Girls Clubs of America's (BGCA) Great Futures 2025 Strategic Plan focuses heavily on obtaining a 75% Optimal Club Experience for all youth by 2025. In 2016, that figure nationally was just 36%.

"It's a huge ambition, but it's a priority for us as a movement," said Smith. "Our studies show that members with an optimal Club experience are more likely to show positive outcomes, such as increased or improved attendance, grades, and behavior."

These results mean that BGCVP is one step closer to fulfilling the Vision 2020 goal of positively impacting the surrounding communities.

"These results and successes are directly attributed to the dedication and commitment of our staff," said Smith. "We've increased internal and external professional development opportunities over the last year, as well as emphasized our Quality Standards: Security, Appreciation, Efficiency, and Fun."

The organization emphasizes the culture and community created around Clubs that allows them to provide so many youth with the necessary services. BGCA and BGCVP hope to continue increasing the positive impact on the communities across the Virginia Peninsula and the nation.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia PeninsulaBoys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula has been a leader in youth development since 1946 with the mission "to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens." The organization currently serves more than 1,100 youth each day in 13 clubs located in Newport News, Hampton, Gloucester, Mathews, and York County. Youth will benefit from a caring professional staff who help them take control of their lives, envision productive futures, and help them set and achieve their goals. Boys & Girls Clubs offers youth a safe place to learn and grow with programs in five core areas: character and leadership development; education and career development; health and life skills; sports, recreation and fitness; and the arts. Great Futures Start at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula!